Have you ever had the feeling of crawling out of your own skin? Our cats can have this feeling too, called hyperarousal, or overstimulation, and it can manifest in many ways, but often indicates the need for some attention to their physical or emotional wellbeing. Some behavioral signs you might see in a cat that is overstimulated are sudden bursts of hyperactivity (“zoomies”), increased aggression or fearfulness, hiding, hissing, dilated pupils, tense body language, fur standing on end. There can also be physical signs such as scratching or biting at themselves (especially the tail or lower back), skin twitching or rippling, dilated pupils. They might also excessively meow, yowl, scream or growl, as well as drooling or inappropriate urination. Knowing the signs can help you be alerted to the escalation of behavior.
Where does it come from?
Certain breeds are more predisposed to hyperarousal, such as siamese, Abyssinians, and Persians. Causes can vary from stress and anxiety due to the environment, or insufficient mental and physical stimulation. Overstimulation such as excessive petting, loud noises, intense play or strong scents that can overwhelm a cat’s senses. Sometimes medical conditions can contribute and this is always the first place to start any investigation of behavioral problems or changes in cats.
Here are some things you can do to help your feline friend:
Consult with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions and discuss appropriate treatment options, which may include medication or behavioral modification strategies.
Identify and minimize the situations that cause your cat to become overstimulated or anxious. This could involve providing quiet spaces, avoiding excessive petting, or gradually introducing new things.
Consider some environmental enrichment: Offer plenty of toys, scratching posts, climbing structures, and mental stimulation like puzzle feeders to help your cat channel their energy constructively and reduce boredom. Regular play sessions can help to keep your pet feeling good and healthy, as well as be a way to expend extra energy. Remember that we are their whole world and it is up to us humans to provide a life as enriching as their wild counterparts have.
Establish a Routine: Maintain consistent feeding times, play sessions, and bedtime routines to provide a sense of security and predictability. Keep stability in mind whenever a change needs to happen whether it be a move to a new house or change in your work schedule, make the change gradually.
Consider Calming Aids: Feliway diffusers or sprays and calming music may help some cats relax. However, the effectiveness of these products can vary.
What to do with a cat that is already overstimulated?
When your cat is showing signs of hyperarousal, the first step to take is to stop the interaction or remove the cause of the overstimulation. This may include ending a petting session, stopping play, turning off household appliances, or dimming the lights. Place your cat in a quiet, private location until they calm down. This space should have food and water bowls, perches, a litter box, and a bed to allow them to decompress. Most cats need anywhere from a few minutes to several hours to reset after they have become overstimulated. If you have a cat that regularly reaches a high state or arousal, have a quiet space with everything they need set up ahead of time that she is already comfortable in.
